Pentispa distincta

(Baly, 1886)

Pentispa distincta is a small in the , Cassidinae. measure 4.5-5.2 mm in length. The occurs in Texas (USA), Mexico, and Guatemala. Adults have been collected on Eupatorium azureum, though the specific remains unknown.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pentispa distincta: /pɛnˈtɪspa dɪˈstɪŋkta/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from related Cassidinae by the combination of: deeply and ; transverse, produced with subangulate upper edge; nearly half body length; with coarsely punctured disc and fulvous submarginal vittae; with eight regular puncture rows and costate second, fourth, and sixth . The specific epithet "distincta" refers to its distinctive appearance among .

Habitat

Specific requirements unknown. collected on vegetation, suggesting association with herbaceous or shrubby plants in its range.

Distribution

United States (Texas), Mexico, and Guatemala.

Host Associations

Eupatorium azureum - collected onSpecific unknown; this is a collection record, not confirmed .

Similar Taxa

Other Pentispa speciesCongeneric share general body plan and Cassidinae ; distinguished by specific elytral punctation and costation patterns, and clypeal structure.
Other ChalepiniTribe members share expanded covering body sides; Pentispa distinguished by , produced , and specific elytral costation.

More Details

Taxonomic placement

Placed in tribe Chalepini, Cassidinae ( and allies), characterized by expanded that cover the sides of the body.

Data limitations

Only 4 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of source date. Biological and ecological data remain sparse for this .